Connector plate for bindings

ABSTRACT

A connector plate for ski bindings of snow skis and snowboards consists of two connecting segments ( 1 ), constructed from an elastic layer ( 2 ) made of an elastic material, for example rubber or silicon, within which located along its lateral axis which lies perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ski ( 4 ) or snowboard, is at least one solid supporting element ( 3 ), which divides the elastic layer ( 2 ) into two regions, one region is compressed and the other expands during the flexing of the ski ( 4 ) or snowboard, in addition the construction allows for longitudinal movement in the elastic layer ( 2 ) of the connecting segments ( 1 ), all of which takes place while both connecting segments are interconnected via their upper surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a connector plate for bindings, specificallythe toe and heal pieces of snow ski bindings or bindings for snowboards,which allows the ski or snowboard to flex freely under the ski boot ofthe skier or snowboarder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The most common method of securing a ski binding is by mounting itdirectly onto the ski, this method however, has the undesired effect ofstiffening the ski in the region of the ski binding, more precisely thearea underneath the boot of the skier. This stiffening effect is aresult of resistant pressure created by the combined effect of the bootand binding during the normal flexing of a snow ski during a turn. Thenatural flexing of a ski is in this way inhibited, such that it has anegative effect on skiing, more specifically in the turning of theski—an act achieved by angling the ski onto its side, thus causing theski by bending to produce an arc. The ideal arc or bend of a ski due tothe most common method of mounting ski bindings is therefore notachieved.

Another method of securing ski bindings is via an intermediate plate,whose lower surface is mounted onto the ski; respectively the skibinding is mounted on its upper surface. In both cases screws are usedin the mounting process. The outcome of this method is that the ski bootis secured higher off the snow. This is advantageous to the skier as theski boot, which is wider than the ski and so is limiting in the anglingon the ski in turning as described above—is given more clearance, thusenabling greater angling of the ski.

To improve the flexing of the ski under the region of the ski boot, aflexible intermediate plate is commonly used which flexes together withthe ski and is more or less a part of the ski. This intermediate plateis attached by screws or elastic glue, either directly to the uppersurface of the ski or via an additional elastic layer, which allowsrestricted longitudinal movement such that it absorbs the shortening ofthe ski during flexing. However this measure fails to account for theinner tension resulting form resistant force from the ski boot onto thebindings exerted during the flexing of a ski, which relates to thebefore mentioned disadvantages. An example of this kind of solution isdemonstrated in patent EP 612543.

The use of various flexible constructions underneath ski bindings iscommon, for example patent WO 92/22361, according to which the ski bootis secured on top of two compressible segments. The main goal of thiskind of arrangement is to dampen the vibration of the ski. Thistechnique does not however allow the required range of movementnecessary for the ideal flexing of the ski, as both segments flextogether with the ski, thus exerting a compressive force on the skiboot. Consequently the resistance given by the ski boot inhibits the skifrom flexing freely. A similar solution in mounting bindings isdemonstrated in patent WO 88/01190, according to which the bindings aremounted on a plate, which is separated from the ski by avibration-dampening unit made of an elastic-viscous material. Once againhowever this arrangement fails to allow the ski to flex freely.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Two connector plates between the mounting for bindings and the ski orsnowboard overcome these inadequacies in the present developments toallow uninhibited flexing of skis. The functional components of thisdesign are two connecting segments. Each segment has a flexible layer ofan elastic material, fore example rubber or silicon. According to theinvention, the elastic layer of the segment includes at least one solidsupporting element separating the elastic layer into two regions; it isto be noted that this supporting element is located perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the ski. During the flexing of the ski one of theseregions is compressed while the other expands. These connecting segmentshave two surfaces between which the design allows for limited movementlongitudinally. Both connecting segments are interconnected via theirupper surfaces.

The advantage of this invention is that it not only allows forlongitudinal movement between the two surfaces of the connectingsegments, but also for pivoting along the lateral axis, both of whichare necessary for uninhibited flexing of a ski or snowboard, underneaththe region of the boot. This pivoting occurs around the lateral axisprovided by the solid supporting element, while any rotation along thelongitudinal axis as well as any lateral movements are prevented.Additionally, as a whole the connector plate acts as avibration-dampening device, as well as raising the boot above the ski orsnowboard. The ideal distance between the two connecting segments is thelength of the sole of the boot. As the ski bindings are mounted on aninterconnecting rigid plate separated from the ski, all forces areeliminated, and therefore optimum boot-binding connection is achieved.

The design of the invention can be utilized by attaching the connectingsegments to both the toe and heal pieces of the ski binding, by means ofvulcanizing or gluing the elastic layer to the corresponding parts.Alternatively, the segments can be secured to an intermediate plate asdescribed earlier, and finally both connecting segments can beintegrated directly into the ski or snowboard.

For the mounting of most known brands of ski bindings on either skis orsnowboards, the elastic layer of both connecting segments is constructedwith an upper mounting plate, modified for the mounting of ski bindingsand a lower mounting plate, modified for mounting the segments onto theski or snowboard. The elastic layer is secured to both mounting platesvia the process of vulcanization. Taking advantage of the connectorplate design, it's two connecting segments can be used as components ofthe ski bindings, by being affixed to the lower surfaces of the toe andheal pieces of ski binding and in so doing taking on the function of theupper mounting plate.

The solid supporting element can take on a variety of forms and beconstructed from a variety of densities. Furthermore the solidsupporting element can be constructed as an extension of either theupper mounting plate or lower mounting plate or a combination of both.Alternatively it can be inserted as a separate independent componentbetween the two mounting plates, with which it can either be in contactwith or sit in between them in which case in at least one of themounting plates a gap is left which is filled with rubber.

The solid supporting element can alternatively be constructed as a solidjacket, within which is located a runner capable of movinglongitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the connecting segment,the space around the runner is filled with either rubber or some otherelastic material. This type of supporting element can be used as acomponent of the snow ski, in which case it is either affixed to theupper surface of the ski or inserted directly through it. This allowsthe supporting element the additional function of a securing componentfor the connector plate onto the ski or snowboard. In a simplifiedexample of this variation, the runner can be set directly in the elasticlayer or other elastic material.

In a further variation, the supporting element is constructed from anextension of either the upper or lower mounting plates into the elasticlayer. In the case of the lower mounting plate, the extension causes theplate to be more flexible and therefore aiding in the overall flexing ofthe ski.

In the ease of the previous variation, the upper and lower mountingplates can be connected by two density adjusting screws, which aresecured in the axis of the supporting element, which in this case theextension of either the upper or lower mounting plates.

Alternatively the required density of the connecting segment can beachieved by the separation of the mounting plates into two or moresections which are connected via the elastic layer, more precisely byvulcanizing them with rubber or some other elastic material, which formsthe this elastic layer.

Although the axis of the solid supporting element is located on the(transverse or lateral) axis of the connecting segment according to theinvention, this however is not a necessity, and the supporting elementcan be located off center of this axis without departing from theinvention.

As to accommodate for varying requirements, the elastic layer can beformed from a range of elastic materials of varying degrees of density,in addition to this the elastic layer can be formed with internalcavities.

By virtue of the design, the connecting segments of the connector plate,via the upper mounting plate can be set apart optimally according to thesize of the ski boot of the skier.

Alternatively, a rigid plate, adapted for the mounting of ski bindingscan interconnect both of the connecting segments.

In addition, it is beneficial to the overall performance of the ski fora dampening unit to be affixed between the two connecting segments,which resist the reverse flexing of the ski.

Further still, both connecting segments can be constructed as one unit,in which case the construction is mounted in the middle of the ski boot.

All of the above mentioned structural variations of the invention allowfree and therefore ideal flexing of a snow ski or snowboard along itsentire length. This smooth flexing together with the side cut of snowskis or snowboards result in uninhibited carved turns. With theconnector plate not only do the skis or snowboard turn and flex betterbut also absorb vibration better, these improvements distinguishthemselves most noticeably in skiing on icy or rough and uneven terrain.In addition the invention distinguishes itself in its universality, itcan be used for all types of ski and snowboards and all types ofbindings. Finally the benefits of this invention are most prominent inskis with extreme side cuts, referred to as carving skis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be further clarified through a variety of drawings ofpossible variations, these are as follows:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic side views of a ski boot mounted to a skiwith a connector plate according to the invention, shown without andwith the ski flexing.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2—2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing a connecting segment inalternative variation.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4—4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side view of connecting segment (further variation).

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6—6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side view of connecting segment (further variation).

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8—8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a front view of connecting segment of FIG. 7, (furthervariation).

FIG. 10 is a side view of the connector plate, mounted on the ski, asone unit.

FIG. 11 is a detailed side view of the connector plate of FIG. 10.

FIGS. 12a) to h) are schematical views of further varieties ofconnecting segments.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a combined version of a connecting segment.

FIG. 14 is a cross-section of the connecting segment of FIG. 13 takenalong line 14—14.

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 11 of a connecting segment with solidsupporting element off center.

FIG. 16 is a view of a connector plate integrated with ski binding.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a connector plate in a snowboard set-up.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT EXAMPLE 1

The connector plate, as in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, comprises two connectingsegments 1, situated between the ski 4 and the ski boot 5, that is tosay the ski bindings 6. The connecting segments are joined from theirupper surface via an interconnecting element 7 adapted for the mountingof the ski binding. On its lower surface between the connecting segments1 is situated a dampening unit 14. Each connecting segment 1 isconstructed from an elastic layer 2 of rubber, sandwiched between anupper 8 and a lower 9 mounting plate. Within the elastic layer 2 of eachconnecting segment 1, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, whichcorresponds to the longitudinal axis of the ski 4 lies a solidsupporting element 3 which acts to diminish all significant verticalcompressibility of the elastic layer 2. As seen in FIG. 2, the solidsupporting element 3 is an extension of the lower mounting plate 9 intothe elastic layer 2, running along the lateral axis of the connectingsegment 1. The lower mounting plate 9 is secured by screws 15 to the ski4. The upper mounting plate 8 is secured via screws 16 to theinterconnecting element 7, upon which the ski bindings 6 are mounted.

As in FIG. 1, during the flexing of the ski 4, the connecting segment 1situated under the toe of the ski boot 5, is compressed in the forwardregion of the elastic layer 2 in relation to the position of the solidsupporting element 3, while the connecting segment 1, beneath the healof the ski boot 5 is compressed in the rear region of the elastic layer2, once again in relation to the solid supporting element 3. Resultingfrom the design of the solid supporting element 3 both connectingsegments 1 satisfy the requirements for uninhibited flexing of the ski4.

EXAMPLE 2

According to the second variation, as in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, theconnector plate includes the same connecting segments 1 as in the firstvariation. They differ in that the upper mounting plate 8 and the lowermounting plate 9 are connected by two adjustable screws 13 which allowfor adjustment of the density of the elastic layer 2, in addition theyeliminate all lateral and vertical movements. These screws are securedwithin the axis of the solid supporting element 3, in this case the axisof the extension of the lower mounting plate 9. The interconnectionelement 7 features sidewalls 17, which cover the connector plate on thesides of the ski 4, these sidewalls 17 further eliminate all lateralmovement.

EXAMPLE 3

According to the third variation, as in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the solidsupporting element 3 includes a solid jacket 18, within which is locatedin axle 23 such that it can move longitudinally. The space 20surrounding the axle 23 within the solid jacket 18 is filled withrubber. The solid jacket 18 is secured to the ski 4 via screws 21, whicheliminates the need to use screws 15 as in the first variation. Thewhole connecting segment 1 is connected to the interconnecting element 7via the axle screws 22 pinning through the sidewalls 17 and threadinginto axle 23. The lower mounting plate 9 is in this case separated, withthe solid jacket 18 and its runner 19 located in between the twosegments of the lower mounting plate 9.

EXAMPLE 4

A further variation based on the solid jacket 18 with runner 19 designis illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, where the solid jacket 18 is builtinto the ski 4 as an insert, and is joined to the connecting segment 1as in the third variation. This procedure eliminates the need for anykind of drilling and screwing into the ski 4. Alternatively asillustrated in FIG. 9, each connecting segment 1 has two solid jackets18 and two runners 19, one on either side of the ski 4.

EXAMPLE 5

According to this the fifth variation, as in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, bothconnecting segments 1 together with their solid supporting elements 3form one single unit. This variation is advantageous for either veryshort skis, or for additional variability of ski flexion.

The desired effect on a ski is also achieved by further variations onthe connecting segment 1, connector plate, and ski bindings or by arange of combinations between these. Illustrated in FIG. 12, marked a)through to h) are a range of various layouts and combination, of theconnecting segments 1 and solid supporting elements 3. For example invariation f), situated within the elastic layer 2 are two solidsupporting elements 3 of differing size, the smaller being in thecompressed region of the elastic layer 2. In variation a) the solidsupporting element 3 is formed by a cylindrical body inserted betweenthe upper and lower surface of the elastic layer 2 in such a way as toallow it to rotate and slide along the lateral axis of the connectingsegment 1.

An example of this variation can be seen in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, inwhich the solid supporting element 3, formed by an extension in thelower mounting plate 9, also forms the solid jacket 18 as well as therunner 19, in addition two adjustable screws 13 are used for varying thedensity of the elastic layer 2. This variation is the combination of thesecond and third variations demonstrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 15 it is possible to locate the solid supportingelement 3 off the center of the lateral axis of the connecting segment1.

FIG. 16 demonstrates a further variation of the invention where theconnector plate becomes a component of the ski binding 6, such that itreplaces the upper mounting plates 8.

FIG. 17 shows two connector plates as used for snowboards, in thisvariation, at least one connecting segment 1 is used for each mountingof boot, whose longitudinal axis runs parallel to the longitudinal axisof the snowboard, while the interconnecting elements are mounted alongthe longitudinal axis of each respective boot 5, or/and interconnect theconnecting segments 1 along the longitudinal axis.

Reference Numerals Referring to Enclosure

1. connecting segment

2. elastic layer

3. solid supporting element

4. ski

5. ski boot

6. ski binding

7. interconnecting element

8. upper mounting plate

9. lower mounting plate

10. (unspecified)

11. (unspecified)

12. (unspecified)

13. adjustable screw

14. dampening unit

15. self tapping screws

16. joining screw

17. side wall

18. solid jacket

19. runner

20. empty space

21. securing screw,

22. axle screws

23. axle

What is claimed is:
 1. A connector plate for ski bindings of snow skisor snowboards which includes two connecting segments (1) each comprisingan elastic layer (2) of an elastic material, wherein the elastic layer(2) of the two connecting segments (1) within which is located in itslateral axis which lies perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of theski (4) or snowboard at least one solid supporting element (3) whichdivides the elastic layer (2) into two regions, from which one region iscompressed and the other expands during the flexing of the ski (4) orsnowboard, the supporting element allowing for longitudinal movement inthe elastic layer (2) of the connecting segment (1), all of which takesplace while both the connecting segments (1) are connected via an uppersurface thereof.
 2. The connector plate according to claim 1, whereinthe elastic layer (2) of the connecting segment (1) is conditioned by alower mounting plate (9).
 3. The connector plate according to claim 2,wherein the elastic layer (2) is conditioned by an upper mounting plate(8).
 4. The connector plate according to claim 3, wherein the solidsupporting element (3) comprises a protrusion of the upper or the lowermounting plates (8, 9), or combination of both, into the elastic layer(2).
 5. The connector plate according to claim 3, wherein the uppermounting plate (8), and the lower mounting plate (9), are interconnectedby at least two adjustable screws (13) for varying the density of theelastic layer (2), the screws being secured on the axis of the solidsupporting element (3).
 6. The connector plate according to claim 3,wherein the lower mounting plate (9) is divided into at least two parts,which are interconnected by the material of the elastic layer (2). 7.The connector plate according to claim 3, wherein the solid supportingelement (3) is set in the lateral axis of the connecting segment (1). 8.The connector plate according to claim 3, wherein the solid supportingelement (3) is set off center to the lateral axis of the connectingsegment (1).
 9. The connector plate according to claim 3, wherein theconnecting segments (1) are connected longitudinally by an adjustableinter-connecting element (7).
 10. The connector plate according to claim3, wherein the connecting segments (1) are connected by aninterconnecting element (7), formed as a rigid unit.
 11. The connectorplate according to claim 3, wherein between the connecting segments (1)in a space between the ski (4) and an interconnecting element (7), islocated at least one dampening unit (14).
 12. The connector plateaccording to claim 1, wherein the solid supporting element (3) comprisesan elastically mounted runner (19), allowing for longitudinal movement.13. The connector plate according to claim 12, wherein the runner (19)is set into a solid jacket 18, within which a space (20) is filled witheither rubber or another elastic material.
 14. The connector plateaccording to claim 1, wherein both connecting segments (1) areconstructed as one unit.
 15. The connector plate according to claim 1,wherein the connecting segments (1) are integrated directly into thebinding (6).
 16. The connector plate according to claim 1, wherein theconnecting segments (1) are integrated into the ski (4) or snowboard, bybeing connected to a runner (19), which is set in a solid jacket (18), acomponent of the connecting segment.
 17. The connector plate accordingto claim 1, wherein the elastic layer (2) is of an elastic material ofvarying degrees of density.
 18. The connector plate according to claim1, wherein within the elastic layer (2) are internal cavities.